An endangered species is an organism at risk of extinction, and currently, over 16,000 animals fall into this category. A few recently endangered animals include: gorillas, tigers, polar bears, rhinos, Amur leopards, sharks and many more.
According to the Pearson Environmental Science textbook, the primary causes of endangerment are climate change, habitat loss, pollution, diseases and invasive species. These polarizing aspects can not only endanger the well being of the species’ alone, but rather the whole ecosystem and how it functions. Without certain animals and how they function in their appropriate environments, some of the natural occurrences needed for a perfect cycle of life will deteriorate and make living conditions near uninhabitable. We only have one Earth and it is important to further reflect on fixing the environmental problems we have created.
Climate change is a critical factor in the endangerment of animals because species that are unable to adapt quickly to these changes face the risk of extinction. Climate change includes changes such as global temperatures and extreme weather events that alter habitats and ecosystems.
Habitat loss, largely caused by human activity, is another pressing issue. Land is often taken from the animals for agriculture, development and infrastructure. So, we get what we need, while the animals are at a loss and have to pay for our destruction. Animals lose their source of food and homes, leading to the decline in their populations.
Pollution plays a significant role in extinction as well. Harmful chemicals and substances are constantly being released into the environment. Air pollution disrupts the reproductive systems and food sources of terrestrial animals. Water pollution from chemicals causes health problems and severely affects marine life. Pollution drives the pressing matters of extinction, and because it is so normalized in society, the livelihoods of these animals promptly end quicker which, again, is a risk to every living thing involved in the environment.
What can we do to protect them? We can reduce pollution, act sustainably, raise awareness and promote biodiversity. This is all easier said than done. You can reduce pollution with three simple changes in your lifestyle: conserving energy, recycling and by disposing waste properly. Raising awareness can bring people together to petition to enforce laws and regulations, but it is not easy.
Sustainability isn’t cheap, and it doesn’t come easy the first time around, but with effort and willpower, the benefits of living an environmentally friendly lifestyle will help conserve what we have and make living easier for today and tomorrow. Promoting biodiversity is simply allowing wildlife like birds to enter your backyards and protecting habitats.